Building a Strong Value-Based Network

Session Description

Networking is not easy — yet it’s vital for entrepreneurial success.

In this masterclass, tech disruption enabler, unicorn investor, and exponential leader David Olivencia shares the networking approach that has enabled him to climb the corporate ladder at some of the world’s leading companies. Learn how he co-founded and scaled multiple technology leadership organizations, invested in and supported unicorn startups, was invited to the Whitehouse across 3 Presidential administrations, and earned countless awards and accolades — thanks to the art of networking.

This masterclass explores real-world NetWORKing Excellence and methodology, covering components such as:

• The importance of a networking foundation and the vital components needed for networking excellence;
• Identifying and helping the right people and networks to be successful; and,
• Optimizing your networks with tools and tips for networking events and social media.

Networking Excellence: Building Value-Based Relationships

Session Recap

(AI-generated session recap made available by Google NotebookLM)

In this insightful session, David Olivencia, CEO of Angeles Investors and author of Networking Excellence, shared his expertise on building powerful relationships. Drawing on his extensive background as a senior executive, angel investor, and advisor across various sectors, Olivencia presented networking not merely as a tactic for personal gain but as creating and improving value-based relationships to facilitate mutual goal accomplishment. He emphasized that networking is foundational to success in careers and business, and even contributes to personal health and longevity. The session introduced a comprehensive framework for networking, covering the crucial aspects of building a strong personal Foundation, consistent Execution, strategic Optimization, and acknowledging that it requires significant Work.

Outline
Here are the main discussion areas covered in the session:

• The Importance of Networking:

  • Underpins professional success (career acceleration, job finding).

  • Important for personal health and well-being (citing the Blue Zones concept).

• Defining Networking:

  • Audience suggestions included Connection, Collaboration, Trust, Adding Value, Strategy, Communication, Exchanging Ideas, Synergies.

  • Speaker's definition: Creating and improving value-based relationships to facilitate mutual goal accomplishment.

  • Emphasis on ongoing improvement, mutual value, and shared goal accomplishment.

• The Networking Framework:

  • Foundation

  • Execution

  • Optimization

  • Work (capitalized to signify effort)

• Foundation of Networking:

  • Deep Self-Assessment: Understanding mission, vision, purpose, values, Ikigai, strengths, weaknesses (SWOT for self). You are the "sun" to your network.

  • Setting Smart Goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) and stretching them.

  • Defining and Refining Your Brand: Your magnet. Importance of clarity in a noisy world.

  • Powering with Rituals and Routines: Habits that make networking easier and build excellence.

• Execution of Networking:

  • Identifying the Right Networks and People. "Tell me who you're hanging out with and I'm going to tell you who who you are".

  • Deeply Thinking About How to Help Others Succeed. Napoleon Hill quote on helping others.

  • Relationship as a Bank Account: Making deposits of value before making asks.

  • Avoiding 911 Networking: Reaching out only when in need without prior value contribution. Keep relationships warm.

  • Examples of Network Types: Alumni, professional groups, social, investment, etc.

  • Importance of Investing Time and Money in Certain Networks.

• Optimization of Networking:

  • Networking Events: Preparation (before), engagement (during), and crucial follow-up with value (after).

  • Social Media/Digital: Tool for scaling connections and keeping networks warm, but requires a strong foundation.

• Q&A and Practical Advice:

  • How to avoid seeming transactional.

  • Techniques for researching others' interests.

  • Engaging people who are less active on social media.

  • Balancing intentional networking with seeking innovation.

  • Communicating with value via email/newsletters.

  • Time management strategies (habits, time boxing).

  • Tips for effective follow-up.

  • Networking at events without prior research.

  • How young professionals can add value.

  • Explaining the value of networking to students.

  • Conversation starters and answering "What do you do?"

Notable Quotes

• "Networking is the most important skill of any skills that are out there."

• "It's creating and improving value-based relationships to facilitate mutual goal accomplishment."

• "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit."

• "You want to avoid 911 networking... and try to keep those networks warm."

Key Takeaways

• Networking is about Mutual Value: Focus on understanding what is valuable to the other person and bringing your resources to help them succeed, rather than just what you can get.

• Build a Strong Foundation: Excellence in networking starts with deep self-assessment, setting clear goals, defining your personal brand, and establishing supportive habits.

• Be Intentional and Research: Deliberately choose the networks and people you engage with. Utilize available tools to research individuals and form hypotheses on how you can add specific value to them.

• Make Deposits of Value Regularly: Consistently provide value to your network over time. This builds a "bank account" of goodwill, making people willing and eager to help when you eventually have an ask. Avoid only reaching out when you need something (911 networking).

• Networking Requires Work: Achieving networking excellence isn't passive; it demands consistent effort, especially in crucial areas like thoughtful follow-up after meetings and disciplined time management.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Networking Excellence by David Olivencia

• Netflix Series: Blue Zones

• Concept: Ikigai (Japanese concept for finding purpose)

• Tool: SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

• Goal Setting Method: SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound)

• Tool: Time boxing (for time management)

• Authors/Speakers: Billy Jean King, Aristotle, Tony Robbins, Steve Jobs, Napoleon Hill

• Research Tools: Chat GPT, Google, LinkedIn, YouTube

• Speaker's Newsletter: Exponential Growth Newsletter

• Speaker's Podcast: Exponential Growth Podcast

Action Items
Attendees were encouraged to:

• Engage in deep self-assessment to understand their mission, vision, values, and strengths.

• Define and set SMART goals.

• Define and refine their personal brand.

• Establish rituals and routines to build networking habits.

• Be deliberate and disciplined in selecting the right networks and people to engage with.

• Actively research individuals to understand their interests and needs.

• Consistently seek opportunities to add value to others in their network.

• Prioritize thoughtful and value-based follow-up after networking interactions.

• Strategically manage their time dedicated to networking using techniques like time boxing.

• If applicable, explore social media as a tool for connecting and adding value, ensuring it aligns with their foundation.

• For those starting out, recognize and confidently offer the unique value they bring (e.g., fresh perspectives, innovation).

• Consider intentionally engaging with diverse networks to foster innovation.